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That was having also considered a move for Michael Keane from Burnley. The United academy graduate ended up instead joining Everton.

But although Jose Mourinho was desperate to recruit defensively again this summer, he was left frustrated with United unable to complete a deal.

It is understood the Portuguese was told by the United hierarchy that the club would only pay big to bring in a top-quality centre-back such as Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.

United were offered both Mina and Boateng but rejected the Colombian due to agents’ fees while they feared the Bayern Munich man’s injury history.

Mourinho’s side could however return for Maguire, who is apparently viewed as a long-term project following Leicester’s eventual sale of Riyad Mahrez with Manchester City having courted the winger for 18 months.

Harry Maguire will hope to be involved when Leicester face United tonight (Image: GETTY)

Harry Maguire scored against United when they last met in December (Image: GETTY)

The Telegraph even claim that United did not view Alderweireld as the man to improve their defence in the long term despite the Spurs’ man’s quality.

Tottenham did not want to sell the Belgian, who has just one year left on his contract, and apparently wanted £75m to let him go.

United’s summer ends having brought in three players - Fred, Diogo Dalot and Lee Grant - at a combined cost of just over £70m.

The club’s only major departures thus far have seen out-of-favour left-back Daley Blind return to Ajax and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who never made a senior appearance for United, sign for West Brom.

Matteo Darmian is also likely to follow the duo out of the exit door but United’s valuation has yet to be matched by any interested parties.

United meanwhile could go head-to-head with Maguire tonight as they host Leicester in the first game of the new Premier League season (8pm).